Beverage container device for opening a drinking aperture and ventilation aperture

ABSTRACT

A beverage container lid for use with a beverage can has a lid member. The lid member has a sealed perforated opening and a sealed perforated vent hole disposed thereon. A tab member is pivotally and rotatably coupled to a top surface of the lid member. The tab member has a first end and a second end. The second end is aligned and positioned above the sealed perforated opening. A protrusion extends down from a bottom surface of the first end member. The tab member is rotated to align the protrusion above the sealed perforated vent hole. Pressing downward on the first end of the tab member forces the protrusion to applying pressure to open the sealed perforated vent hole.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/985,889, filed Apr. 29, 2014, entitled “Beverage Container Device For Opening A Drinking Aperture and Ventilation Aperture” in the name of the same inventor, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The present patent application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application generally relates to a beverage container, and, more particularly, to a beverage container having a lift tab for opening up a drinking aperture and a ventilation aperture.

BACKGROUND

Presently, many beverages such as soda, beer, energy drinks and the like may come in aluminum containers. Most aluminum containers generally have a lift tab for opening a drinking aperture in a top section of the aluminum container. In general, most lift tabs may be non-detachable. These non-detachable lift tabs may be comprised of a short, somewhat rectangular, elongated aluminum strip. The aluminum strip may be pivotally attached to the top section of the aluminum container. A first end of the aluminum strip may have an opening formed therein. The opening may form a ring-like member which may be used to allow a user to more easily grab and lift the non-detachable lift tab. By grabbing and lifting the first end of the aluminum strip, the aluminum strip pivots about the pivotal attachment. The second end of the aluminum strip may have a slightly curved or rounded edge. The curved or rounded end may be used _(to) apply pressure to a perforated area of the top section of the container. The perforated area generally opens with continued application of force applied by the curved or rounded end of the aluminum strip. In operation, as the user grabs and lifts the first end of the aluminum strip, the aluminum strip pivots about the pivot point. The second end of the aluminum strip applies pressure on the perforated area of the top section of the container. The perforated area of the top section of the container generally opens with continued application of force by the second end of the aluminum strip.

In general, the opening formed in the container by the lifting tab allows a user to drink the contents stored within the container. When drinking the contents of the container, the user generally places his/her mouth over the opening formed in the top of the container. If the user's mouth covers the entire opening, air may not be able to flow into the container to allow the contents stored in the container to smoothly flow out of the container. In order to solve this issue, many companies have made the perforated area of the top section of the container larger. The basic thinking is that a larger opening in the top of the container may allow for air to enter into the container when the user is drinking the contents stored in the container. However, these larger openings may still be covered by the mouth of the user. Thus, air still may not be able to enter into the container when the user is drinking the contents stored in the container.

Another approach to solving the above issue is to simply use a can opening device or other sharp instrument to puncture another opening in the top of the container. In general, the user would puncture another opening in the top of the container away from the opening used to drink. Unfortunately, this generally requires the user to have a can opening device or other sharp instrument to puncture the air ventilation opening.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a system and method that overcome the above problems.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a beverage container lid for use with a beverage can has a lid member. The lid member has a sealed perforated opening and a sealed perforated vent hole disposed thereon. A tab member is pivotally and rotatably coupled to a top surface of the lid member. The tab member has a first end and a second end. The second end is aligned and positioned above the sealed perforated opening. A protrusion extends down from a bottom surface of the first end member. The tab member is rotated to align the protrusion above the sealed perforated vent hole. Pressing downward on the first end of the tab member forces the protrusion to applying pressure to open the sealed perforated vent hole.

In accordance with one embodiment, a beverage container lid for use with a beverage can has a lid member. The lid member has a sealed perforated opening and a sealed perforated vent hole disposed thereon. A tab member is pivotally and rotatably coupled to a top surface of the lid member. The tab member has a first end and a second end. The second end is aligned and positioned above the sealed perforated opening. The tab member is formed of a same material as the lid member. A protrusion extends down from a bottom surface of the first end member. When the tab member is rotated to align the protrusion above the sealed perforated vent hole, pressing downward on the first end of the tab member forces the protrusion to applying pressure to open the sealed perforated vent hole. An indented area is formed on the top surface of the beverage container lid.

In accordance with one embodiment, a beverage container lid for use with a beverage can has a lid member. The lid member has a sealed perforated opening and a sealed perforated vent hole disposed thereon. A tab member is pivotally and rotatably coupled to a top surface of the lid member. The tab member has a first end and a second end. A protrusion extends down from a bottom surface of the first end member. An indented area is formed on the top surface of the beverage container lid to house the protrusion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a container implementing an exemplary system for opening drinking and ventilation apertures in the container in accordance with one aspect of the present application

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a top section of the container implementing the exemplary system for opening drinking and ventilation apertures in the container in accordance with one aspect of the present application;

FIG. 2A is a top view of the top section of the container implementing depicted in FIG. 2 in accordance with one aspect of the present application;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the top section of the container implementing depicted in FIG. 2 in accordance with one aspect of the present application;

FIG. 2C is a bottom perspective view of the top section of the container implementing depicted in FIG. 2 in accordance with one aspect of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tab used in the exemplary system;

FIG. 3A is a top view of the tab used in the exemplary system depicted in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the tab used in the exemplary system depicted in FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present disclosure can be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Referring to the FIGS. 1, an exemplary system 10 is shown. The system 10 may be used to form multiple openings in a container 12. The system 10 may be used to form a drinking opening as well as a ventilation opening as will be described below. The ventilation opening may be used to allow for the contents stored within the container 12 to smoothly flow out of the container 12 even if the drinking opening is fully covered by the mouth of an individual.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2C, the system 10 may be implemented in a container 12. The container 12 may be an aluminum beverage can used to store beverages such as soda, beer, energy drinks and the like. The above listing is given as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner. The container 12 may be used to store other types of beverages without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The container 12 may have a closed bottom end 14 and a closed top end 16. Such ends are in parallel relationship one above the other. In addition, the container 12 has essentially cylindrical side wall 17 formed between the top and bottom ends 16 and 14 respectively.

The bottom end 14 and closed top end 16 may be integral with the cylindrical side wall 17. Alternatively, the closed top end 16 may be formed as a separate piece (i.e. container top) and attached to the cylindrical side wall 17 which may be integral to the bottom end 14.

The top end 16 may have a first perforated area 18. The first perforated area 18 may be used to form a drinking opening in the top end 16 of the container 12. In the present embodiment, the first perforated area 18 may be oval in shape. However, this is shown only as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner.

The top end 16 may have a second perforated area 20 formed therein. The second perforated area 20 may be used to form a ventilation opening. The ventilation opening may be used to allow air to enter the container 12. By allowing air to enter the container 12, the contents stored within the container 12 may more evenly flow out of the container through the drinking opening formed in the second perforated area 18. Without the ventilation opening formed in the drinking opening in the top end 16, air may not be able to enter into the container 12. Thus, the contents may flow unevenly out of the container 12. It should be noted that while the present embodiment shows a second perforated area 20 formed in the top end 16, other alternatives may be used to form the ventilation opening. The above is given as one example and should not be seen in a limiting manner. The ventilation opening may be formed in other manners without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The system 10 may further have a tab member 22. The tab member 22 may be used to form the drinking opening formed in the first perforated area 18 and the ventilation opening formed in the second perforated area 20. The tab member 22 may be pivotally coupled to the top end 16 of the container 12. By lifting the tab member 22 by a first end 22A, the tab member 22 pivots about the pivotal attachment 24. A second end 22B of the tab member 22 may apply pressure to the first perforated area 18 formed in the top end 16 of the container 12. The first perforated area 18 generally folds downward to form the drinking opening with continued application of force applied by the second end 22B of the tab member 22.

The tab member 22 may be used to form the ventilation opening formed in the second perforated area 20. The tab member 22 may be pivotally and rotatably coupled to the top end 16 of the container 12. A user may rotate the tab member 22 to align the first end 22A of the tab member 22 with the second perforated area 20. Once aligned, the user may press the tab member 22 downward on the first end 22A so that the tab member 22 pivots about the pivotal attachment 24. On a bottom surface of the first end 22A of the tab member 22, a protrusion 30 may be formed. The protrusion 30 may be used to form the ventilation opening formed in the second perforated area 20. By pressing the first end 22A of the tab member 22 downward, the protrusion 30 may apply pressure to the second perforated area 20. Continued pressure may force the protrusion 30 to puncture through the second perforated area 20 thereby forming the ventilation opening.

An indented area 34 may be formed in the top end 16. The indented area 34 may be used to house the protrusion 30 formed of the bottom surface of the first end 22A of the tab member 22 when the tab member 22 is aligned such that the second end 22B of the tab member 22 is positioned over the first perforated area 18. By housing the protrusion 30, the indented area 34 may be used to prevent the protrusion 30 from puncturing through the top end 16 during storage and or transport of the container 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-3B, an embodiment of the tab member 22′ may be shown. In this embodiment, the tab member 22′ may be formed of a metal strip 26. The metal strip 26 may be formed of the same material as the container 12. In general, the metal strip 26 may be formed out of aluminum. The metal strip 26 may be formed in various configurations. In the present embodiment, the metal strip 26 may be rectangular in shape. However, this is only shown as an example. The metal strip 26 may come in other shapes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The metal strip 26 may have a pivotal attachment 28. The pivotal attachment 28 may be used to pivotally couple the metal strip 26 to the top end 16 of the container 12. The pivotal attachment 28 may be a pin assembly or the like. The above is given as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner. The pivotal attachment 28 may take on other forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The metal strip 26 may have a protrusion 30 formed on a first end 26A. The protrusion 30 may have an edge member 32. The edge member 32 may extend down from the protrusion 30. The edge member 32 may be configured to sit within the indented area 20. By pressing downward on the first end 26A, the edge member 32 may apply pressure to the indented area 20. Continued pressure may force the edge member 32 to puncture through the indented area 20 thereby forming the ventilation opening.

In operation, a user may lift the tab member 22′ by the first end 26A. The tab member 22′ pivots about the pivotal attachment 28. The second end 268 of the tab member 22′ may apply pressure to the perforated area 18 formed in the top end 16 of the container 12. The perforated area 18 generally folds downward to form the drinking opening with continued application of force applied by the second end 22B of the tab member 22′. The user may press the tab member 22′ downward on the first end 26A. The tab member 22′ may pivot about the pivotal attachment 28. By pressing downward on the first end 26A, the edge member 32 may apply pressure to the indented area 20. Continued pressure may force the edge member 32 to puncture through the indented area 20 thereby forming the ventilation opening. The ventilation opening may allow for the smooth flow of the contents out of the container 12.

While embodiments of the disclosure have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A beverage container lid for use with a beverage can comprising: a lid member having a sealed perforated opening and a sealed perforated vent hole disposed thereon; a tab member pivotally and rotatably coupled to a top surface of the lid member, the tab member having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is aligned and positioned above the sealed perforated opening; and a protrusion extending down from a bottom surface of the first end member, wherein the tab member is rotated to align the protrusion above the sealed perforated vent hole, wherein pressing downward on the first end of the tab member forces the protrusion to applying pressure to open the sealed perforated vent hole.
 2. The beverage container lid of claim 1, further comprising an indented area formed on the top surface of the beverage container lid.
 3. The beverage container lid of claim 1, further comprising an indented area formed on the top surface of the beverage container lid, wherein the indented area is aligned with the sealed perforated opening, the protrusion housed within the indented area when the second end of the tab member is aligned and positioned above the sealed perforated opening.
 4. The beverage container lid of claim 1, wherein the tab member comprises: a metal strip, wherein the metal strip is rectangular in shape; a pivotal attachment formed on the metal tab to pivotally and rotatably couple the metal strip to the container lid; wherein the protrusion is formed on a bottom surface of a first end of the metal strip.
 5. The beverage container lid of claim 4, wherein the metal strip is formed of the same material as the container lid.
 6. The beverage container lid of claim 4, wherein the pivotal attachment is a pin assembly.
 7. The beverage container lid of claim 4, wherein the protrusion has an edge member extending down from the protrusion.
 8. A beverage container lid for use with a beverage can comprising: a lid member having a sealed perforated opening and a sealed perforated vent hole disposed thereon; a tab member pivotally and rotatably coupled to a top surface of the lid member, the tab member having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is aligned and positioned above the sealed perforated opening, the tab member formed of a same material as the lid member; a protrusion extending down from a bottom surface of the first end member, wherein the tab member is rotated to align the protrusion above the sealed perforated vent hole, wherein pressing downward on the first end of the tab member forces the protrusion to applying pressure to open the sealed perforated vent hole; and an indented area formed on the top surface of the beverage container lid.
 9. The beverage container lid of claim 8, wherein the indented area is aligned with the sealed perforated opening, the protrusion housed within the indented area when the second end of the tab member is aligned and positioned above the sealed perforated opening.
 10. The beverage container lid of claim 8, wherein the tab member comprises: a metal strip, wherein the metal strip is rectangular in shape; a pivotal attachment formed on the metal tab to pivotally and rotatably couple the metal strip to the container lid; wherein the protrusion is formed on a bottom surface of a first end of the metal strip.
 11. The beverage container lid of claim 10, wherein the pivotal attachment is a pin assembly.
 12. The beverage container lid of claim 10, wherein the protrusion has an edge member extending down from the protrusion.
 13. A beverage container lid for use with a beverage can comprising: a lid member having a sealed perforated opening and a sealed perforated vent hole disposed thereon; a tab member pivotally and rotatably coupled to a top surface of the lid member, the tab member having a first end and a second end; a protrusion extending down from a bottom surface of the first end member; and an indented area formed on the top surface of the beverage container lid to house the protrusion.
 14. The beverage container lid of claim 13, wherein the indented area is aligned with the sealed perforated opening, the protrusion housed within the indented area when the second end of the tab member is aligned and positioned above the sealed perforated opening.
 15. The beverage container lid of claim 13, wherein the tab member comprises: a metal strip, wherein the metal strip is rectangular in shape; a pivotal attachment formed on the metal tab to pivotally and rotatably couple the metal strip to the container lid; wherein the protrusion is formed on a bottom surface of a first end of the metal strip.
 16. The beverage container lid of claim 15, wherein the pivotal attachment is a pin assembly.
 17. The beverage container lid of claim 16, wherein the protrusion has an edge member extending down from the protrusion.
 18. The beverage container lid of claim 13, wherein in a first position, the second end of the tab member is aligned and positioned above the sealed perforated opening, and in a second position, the tab member is rotated to align the protrusion above the sealed perforated vent hole, wherein pressing downward on the first end of the tab member forces the protrusion to applying pressure to open the sealed perforated vent hole 